tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72471524397034114462020-04-15T17:38:36.080-04:00Blog Your DaysAccompanying the <a href="http://numberyourdays.com/">Number Your Days</a> site.Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125BlogYourDayshttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-67464274721604834752017-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002017-12-31T12:00:01.210-05:002017 Ends<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017">2017</a> ends.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/xEgu05W90vI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2017/12/2017-ends.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-67589302287494085062017-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002017-01-01T00:00:00.371-05:002017 Begins<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017">2017</a> begins.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/WGnSqfbUCtc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2017/01/2017-begins.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-83285406440066871732016-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002016-12-31T12:00:03.882-05:002016 Ends<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016">2016</a> is over.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/_zrrCuw8bUU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2016/12/2016-ends.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-29369728632250770062016-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002016-01-01T00:00:01.392-05:002016 Begins<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016">2016</a> is here.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/mzMFj2F7T8c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2016/01/2016-begins.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-37563821087863240122015-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002015-12-31T12:00:00.648-05:002015 Ends2015 is over.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/D4_V1jUKCuM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2015/12/2015-ends.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-45850428810775291262015-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-01T00:00:09.899-05:002015 Begins<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015">2015</a> is here.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/XABfYlTIOkM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2015/01/2015-begins.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-59318975077869475162014-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002014-12-31T12:00:07.099-05:002014 is Ending<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014">2014</a> is ending.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/ZzrlMBvKyX8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2014/12/2014-is-ending.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-11281051307360052572014-08-22T10:02:00.000-04:002014-08-22T10:02:00.624-04:001000 Days: Curiosity LaunchedThe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Science_Laboratory">Mars Science Laboratory</a> launched 1,000 days ago on <a href="http://numberyourdays.com/?d=November%2026,%202011">November 26, 2011</a>.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/Rd8JvlFE7nw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2014/08/1000-days-curiosity-launched.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-9756289437393707602014-05-16T00:00:00.001-04:002014-05-16T00:00:05.923-04:00Norwegian Constitution 200 Years OldThe <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Norway">Constitution of Norway</a></b> was first adopted on May 16, 1814 by the Norwegian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constituent_Assembly" title="Constituent Assembly" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Constituent Assembly</a> at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eidsvoll" title="Eidsvoll" style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Eidsvoll</a> (a small town north of the country's capital, then called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo" title="Oslo" style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Christiania</a>), then signed and dated May 17. It was considered one of the most radically democratic constitutions in the world at the time, and is today the oldest single-document national constitution in Europe - the second oldest in the world - still in continuous force. May 17 is now the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Constitution_Day" title="Norwegian Constitution Day" style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">National Day of Norway</a>.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/59rLJ3rBjqA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2014/05/norwegian-constitution-200-years-old.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-12861445281697891032014-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-01T00:00:06.487-05:002014 is Here<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014">2014</a> begins now.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/11hQESBJYHg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2014/01/2014-is-here.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-40207472093034388912013-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002013-12-31T12:00:05.077-05:002013 is Ending<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013">2013</a> is ending.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/UST9Vy9TOQk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2013/12/2013-is-ending.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-86916983239343713942013-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-19T08:00:05.163-05:0036,000 days ago: Event triggering World War I<a href="http://numberyourdays.com/?d=28-Jun-1914">June 28, 1914</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I">World War I</a>, the great wrong turn of modern history, began with a wrong turn.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />It was made by the driver of the open car carrying the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archduke_Franz_Ferdinand_of_Austria">Archduke Franz Ferdinand</a>, and his wife on their visit to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo">Sarajevo</a> in June <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1914">1914</a>. <br /><br />The driver stopped the car, intending to turn around, right in front of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavrilo_princep">Gavrilo Princep</a>, the young Serbian-trained assassin who had been dejectedly walking home, having failed to get a clear shot along the official route. <br /><br />A few seconds later, the royal couple were mortally wounded; a few weeks later, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe">Europe</a> was at war; a few years later, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolshevik">Bolsheviks</a> were in power in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Revolution_(1917)">Russia</a>, followed by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Fascism">Fascists in Italy</a>, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazism">Nazis</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weimar_Republic">Germany</a>—all owing their success, or even their existence, to the effects of the slaughter of 1914-18.<br /><br />&#0151;<a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/houses-cards_647762.html">The Weekly Standard</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/JN3M66DZdMk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2013/01/36000-days-ago-event-triggering-world.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-62994420333817918442013-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-01T00:00:06.012-05:002013 is Beginning<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013">2013</a> is here.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/PkbZSAd6zBM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2013/01/2013-is-beginning.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-14274802631564564142012-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002012-12-31T12:00:05.133-05:002012 is EndingGoodbye <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012">2012</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/01/2012-is-beginning.html">2012 Predictions Revisited</a><br /><br /><b>January</b><br /><br /><a href="http://nvonews.com/2012/01/02/some-great-android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-features/">Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich</a><br />Android 4.0 introduces a completely new approach to securing a device, making each person’s device even more personal — Face Unlock is a new screen-lock option that lets users unlock their devices with their faces. It takes advantage of the device front-facing camera and state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to register a face during setup and then to recognize it again when unlocking the device. Users just hold their devices in front of their faces to unlock, or use a backup PIN or pattern.<br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/GTPVyQY3I9E" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/12/2012-is-ending.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-42238284991062113052012-11-24T19:19:00.000-05:002012-11-24T19:19:00.361-05:00Merry SecularizationIt turns out that "Merry Christmas" is a <a href="http://www.classicly.com/charles-dickens/a-christmas-carol">legacy of the book</A> that also "did help to secularize Christmas in a lot of ways."<br /><br />Irony!<br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/TN6jDHJLpAE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/11/merry-secularization.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-70836553444185945782012-11-08T11:00:00.000-05:002012-11-08T11:00:09.780-05:0015,000 Days: Last MassOn <a href="http://numberyourdays.com/?d=15%20October%201971">15 October 1971</a>, the few remaining Chagossians held a last Mass in the island's one church.<br /><br /><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-3667764379758632511&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=true" style="height: 326px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed> <br /><br />Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depopulation_of_Diego_Garcia">Depopulation of Diego Garcia</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/oMonL7BiGmk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2011/11/15000-days-last-mass.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-1057547371380957412012-11-01T12:00:00.000-04:002012-11-01T12:00:06.712-04:00American Diabetes Month<b><a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=sr112-327">S.Res. 327</a>: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month</b><br />Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this preamble as ``CDC''), nearly 26,000,000 people of the United States have diabetes and 79,000,000 people of the United States have pre-diabetes<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas diabetes is a serious chronic condition that affects people of every age, race, ethnicity, and income level;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the CDC reports that Hispanic, African, Asian, and Native Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes and suffer from diabetes at rates that are much higher than the general population;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas according to the CDC, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 17 seconds;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas each day, approximately 5,082 people are diagnosed with diabetes;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas in 2010, the CDC estimated that approximately 1,900,000 individuals aged 20 and older were newly diagnosed with diabetes;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas a joint National Institutes of Health and CDC study found that approximately 15,000 youth in the United States are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes annually and approximately 3,600 youth are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes annually;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas according to the CDC, between 1980 and 2007, diabetes prevalence in the United States increased by more than 300 percent;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the CDC reports that over 27 percent of individuals with diabetes are undiagnosed;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the National Diabetes Fact Sheet issued by the CDC states that more than 11 percent of adults of the United States and 26.9 percent of people of the United States age 60 and older have diabetes;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the CDC estimates as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 if present trends continue;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the CDC estimates that as many as 1 in 2 Hispanic, African, Asian, and Native American adults will have diabetes in 2050 if present trends continue;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas according to the American Diabetes Association, in 2007, the total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States was $174,000,000,000, and 1 in 10 dollars spent on health care was attributed to diabetes and its complications;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas according to a Lewin Group study, in 2007, the total cost of diabetes (including both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes, and gestational diabetes) was $218,000,000,000;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas a Mathematica Policy Research study in 2007 found that, for each fiscal year, total expenditures for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes comprise 32.7 percent of the Medicare budget;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas according to the CDC, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2007 and contributed to the deaths of over 230,000 Americans in 2007;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas there is not yet a cure for diabetes;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas there are proven means to reduce the incidence of, and delay the onset of, type 2 diabetes;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas with the proper management and treatment, people with diabetes live healthy, productive lives; and</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas American Diabetes Month is celebrated in November: Now, therefore, be it</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>&nbsp;Resolved,</em>&nbsp;That the Senate--</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (1) supports the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including--</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (A) encouraging the people of the United States to fight diabetes through public awareness about prevention and treatment options; and</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (B) increasing education about the disease;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (2) recognizes the importance of early detection of diabetes, awareness of the symptoms of diabetes, and the risk factors that often lead to the development of diabetes, including--</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (A) being over the age of 45;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (B) having a specific racial and ethnic background;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (C) being overweight;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (D) having a low level of physical activity level;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (E) having high blood pressure; and</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (F) having a family history of diabetes or a history of diabetes during pregnancy; and</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (3) supports decreasing the prevalence of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in the United States through increased research, treatment, and prevention.&nbsp;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><b>(<a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/B?r112:@FIELD(FLD003+s)+@FIELD(DDATE+20111116)">Senate - November 16, 2011</a>)</b></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/Xv5FQKBjx0M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/11/american-diabetes-month.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-67049750312369951712012-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-31T07:00:12.605-04:00International Bridge 50th Anniversary<span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the International Bridge at Sault St. Marie stands as an enduring, visible reminder of the connection Michigan has with our neighbor to the north. This nearly 2-mile expanse, quite literally, brings communities in Michigan and Canada closer together, forging a mutually beneficial partnership in the process. To commemorate the construction of the bridge, a new, patriotic lighting scheme will be introduced on the American side of the bridge this week. <a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Thousands of vehicles cross this bridge each day. In fact, in 2007 alone, nearly 2 million cars traversed this roadway. This bridge is a pathway for commerce and trade; it is a convenient way for families separated by a short distance, but still a Nation apart to visit; and it supports recreation and tourism, which are central to the economies of many of Michigan's communities. Designed by Dr. Carl Gronquist, this sprawling structure has buoyed a number of industries important to Michigan, including steel, paper and forestry. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Before the International Bridge opened to traffic on October 31, 1962, Michiganians crossed the St. Mary's River either by car ferry or by railway. The need for a more efficient means to connect Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario was evident. In response, in 1940, Congress approved an international crossing in Sault Ste. Marie, and in 1955, the Canadian Parliament established the St. Mary's Bridge Company to facilitate and oversee an international crossing. The $16 million construction project that ensued lasted nearly 2 years and gave way to the structure we enjoy today. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Connecting Sault Ste. Marie with a city of 75,000 in Ontario that also serves as an important international trade crossing in Northwestern Ontario has been very beneficial. The theme of this celebration--Celebrating 50 years of International Friendship--speaks powerfully to this point. I also would like to recognize the work of the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority and the International Bridge Administration for their tremendous work and dedication. The work that is done each day to ensure an efficient and steady flow of traffic across this bridge has positively impacted the lives of Michiganians and countless businesses for the last half century. As we look toward the future, it is important to preserve and maintain the International Bridge for future generations. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Source: <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r112:S29JN2-0018:/">50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE</a></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/POtGsdzyP20" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/10/international-bridge-50th-anniversary.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-26921478022746615362012-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-12T07:00:16.870-04:00Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Rice University<span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Mrs. HUTCHISON (for herself and Mr. <em><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Cornyn</span></em>) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to: <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r112:S27JN2-0029:/">S. Res. 512<o:p></o:p></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University is celebrating its 100th year as a renowned research university advancing education in the arts, humanities, and sciences;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement of Literature, Science, and Art, named for its benefactor William Marsh Rice and now known as Rice University, was inaugurated on October 12, 1912, in Houston, Texas;</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the first president of Rice University, Edgar Odell Lovett, set forth an ambitious vision for a prestigious research university;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University is a leading institution of higher education, ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States by U.S. News &amp; World Report every year since the rankings began in 1983;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University is dedicated to keeping high quality education affordable through generous financial aid programs and ranks among the 10 best value private colleges by Princeton Review;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University plays a leading role in research in many fields, including nanotechnology, space, cellular technology, bioinformatics, energy, health, and the environment;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University has invaluably contributed to space exploration, becoming the first university in the United States to create a department dedicated to space exploration and donating the land now home to the Johnson Space Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the groundbreaking discovery of buckminsterfullerene, referred to as ``buckyballs'', on the campus of Rice University in 1985 launched the new field of fullerene chemistry, helped launch the new scientific field of nanotechnology, earned two Rice University professors, Dr. Richard Smalley and Dr. Robert Curl, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and is now leading to life-saving and life-enhancing breakthroughs in medicine, transportation, energy, the environment, defense, and many other endeavors;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Richard Smalley of Rice University played a significant role in forming The Academy of Medicine, Engineering, and Science of Texas, an organization for the Texas members of the National Academies and the first organization in Texas dedicated to building collaboration among Texas's most distinguished scientific, academic, and corporate minds in research and public policy;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the goal of Rice University is to prepare its students to succeed in a highly competitive and complex world, and many of its alumni have distinguished themselves in their service and contributions to the United States;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University is one of three Texas universities to be chosen as a member of the Association of American Universities, and the only private university in Texas that is a member of that association;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas Rice University is fortunate to have exceptionally fine trustees, administrators, and faculty members who have placed emphasis on inspiring students to succeed in the arts, humanities, and sciences;<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the contributions of Rice University and its alumni have enriched the history of the United States and the world in the arts, humanities, sports, and sciences; and<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the success of Rice University is the result of a united effort by many resourceful and dedicated individuals, and all who are associated with the preservation of the great traditions of Rice University deserve to be proud of their accomplishments: Now, therefore, be it<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Resolved,</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"> That the Senate recognizes the 100th anniversary of Rice University and expresses gratitude to the university for its innumerable contributions to higher education and the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/T_HiUeUxH40" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/10/recognizing-100th-anniversary-of-rice.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-61133098238204862572012-09-04T22:30:00.000-04:002012-09-04T22:30:00.896-04:0030 Years: Munich massacreThe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_massacre">Munich massacre</a> is an informal name for events that occurred during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_Summer_Olympics">1972 Summer Olympics</a> in Munich, Bavaria in southern West Germany, when members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and eventually killed by the Palestinian group Black September.<br /><br />Shortly after the crisis began, the Palestinians demanded the release of 234 prisoners held in Israeli jails.<br /><br />Black September called the operation "Ikrit and Biram", after two Christian Palestinian villages whose inhabitants were expelled by the Haganah in 1948.<br /><br />Israel <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/18/world/meast/israel-ioc-plea/">wants one minute of silence</a> to remember them at the 2012 Games.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/1a1CKFLYVHA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/09/30-years-munich-massacre.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-59627252718577700972012-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-01T07:00:00.949-04:0061 Years: United States-Australia Alliance<b><a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=sr112-324">S.Res. 324</a>: A resolution commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the United States-Australia alliance</b><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Whereas the United States Government enhanced its relationship with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand with the signing of the Australia-New Zealand-United States (ANZUS) Treaty on September 1, 1951, and subsequently engaged in annual, bilateral Australian-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations between the Australian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence and the United States Secretaries of State and Defense, including a meeting in San Francisco in September 2011 that commemorated the 60th anniversary of the United States-Australia alliance;<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the alliance remains fundamental to the security of Australia and the United States and to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, and is one dimension of a broad and deep relationship between the two countries that encompasses robust bilateral strategic, intelligence, trade, and investment relations based on shared interests and values, a common history and cultural traditions, and mutual respect;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas numerous visits by Presidents of the United States, including this week by President Barack Obama, and by the Australian Prime Minister to the United States, including in 2011 when Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressed a Joint Session of Congress, have underscored the strength and closeness of the relationship;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas members of the United States and Australian armed forces have fought side-by-side in every major conflict since the First World War, with the commitment to mutual defense and security between the United States and Australia being longstanding and unshakeable, as was demonstrated by the joint decision to invoke the ANZUS Treaty in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments of the United States and Australia continue to share a common approach to the most pressing issues in global defense and security, including in Afghanistan, where about 1,550 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed, and in response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, such as in Japan following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently stated, ``We are expanding our alliance with Australia from a Pacific partnership to an Indo-Pacific one, and indeed a global partnership. ..... Australia's counsel and commitment have been indispensable.'';</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta recently remarked that ``the United States has no closer ally than Australia. ..... [We] affirm this alliance, affirm that it remains strong, and that we are determined to deepen our security cooperation even further to counter the threats and challenges that we face in the future.'';</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments of the United States and Australia agreed to set up a Force Posture Working Group at the November 2010 AUSMIN to examine options to align respective force postures consistent with the national security requirements of both countries and to help positively shape the regional security environment;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the United States and Australia committed in a Joint Statement on Cyberspace during the 2011 AUSMIN meeting to consult together and determine appropriate options to address any threats;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Government of Australia is a major purchaser of United States military resources, approximately 50 percent of Australia's war-fighting assets are sourced from the United States, and the Government of Australia has plans to spend a substantial sum over the next 10-15 years to update or replace up to about 85 percent of its military equipment;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas, on September 29, 2010, the Senate provided its advice and consent to ratification of the Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia Concerning Defense Trade Cooperation, signed at Sydney, Australia, September 5, 2007, which will facilitate defense trade between the two nations and enhance interoperability between military forces;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments of the United States and Australia support open, transparent, and inclusive regional architectures to preserve and enhance peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments of the United States and Australia cooperate closely in regional and global forums, as evidenced by Australia's support for the United States as the host this month of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2011 and the United States' support for Australia to host the G-20 in 2014;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the United States and Australia elevated their trade relationship through the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement that entered into force on January 1, 2005, and exports of United States goods to Australia have risen by 53 percent since that time, totaling $21,900,000,000 in 2010;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the United States is Australia's largest destination for foreign investment, helping create jobs for United States workers, with Australian companies employing more than 88,000 people directly in the United States;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments and people of the United States and Australia work closely to advance and support human rights, the rule of law, and basic freedoms worldwide;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments and people of the United States and Australia work jointly and separately to support democracy, economic reform, and good governance in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, South and Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, among other areas of the world; and</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whereas the Governments of the United States and Australia are working through their respective aid agencies (USAID and AusAID) and also exploring opportunities for collaboration across a wide variety of areas: Now, therefore, be it</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>&nbsp;Resolved,</em>&nbsp;That the Senate--</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (1) celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the United States-Australia alliance and takes this opportunity to reiterate the enduring significance of this historic friendship that</div><br /><br /><br /><center style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><pre>[Page: S7605] <b><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/citation.result.CREC.action?congressionalRecord.volume=157&amp;congressionalRecord.pagePrefix=S&amp;congressionalRecord.pageNumber=7605&amp;publication=CREC"> <cite>GPO's PDF</cite></a></b></pre></center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">serves as an anchor of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world;</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (2) supports United States efforts to strengthen military, diplomatic, trade, economic, and people-to-people cooperation with Australia, including initiatives to positively shape the evolving strategic and economic environment that connects the Indian and the Pacific Oceans; and</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (3) urges close consultation between the Governments of the United States and Australia in preparation for the East Asia Summit to be chaired by Indonesia on November 19, 2011, and encourages other, new forms of cooperation with the Government and people of Australia that strengthen regional architectures to enhance peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><b>(<a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/B?r112:@FIELD(FLD003+s)+@FIELD(DDATE+20111116)">Senate - November 16, 2011</a>)</b></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/xAkQ0tOn9Ag" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/09/61-years-united-states-australia.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-64867922293602689832012-07-11T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-11T07:00:10.807-04:00Rock Island Arsenal's 150th Anniversary<span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Durbin">Mr. DURBIN</a>. I rise today to celebrate a major milestone for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois">Illinois</a> and the nation. One hundred and fifty years ago on July 11, 1862, Illinois' own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln">President Lincoln</a> signed an Act of Congress that established the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Arsenal">Rock Island Arsenal</a>. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Rock Island started out during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War">Civil War</a> as a small <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_(American_Civil_War)">Union</a>prisoner of war camp which also held and distributed supplies. It has grown into a critical manufacturer of 21st century supplies for our troops in the field. And in doing so, it also serves as the lifeblood of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quad_Cities">Quad Cities</a>region that hosts it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">In celebration of its 150th anniversary, I would like to highlight Rock Island Arsenal's impressive history and the impact it has had on the community and the nation. </span></div><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Rock Island has a long history of producing supplies for our military. It was rifle cartridges and siege howitzers in the Spanish-American War of 1898. In World War I, it was rifles and a variety of personal equipment. By World War II, the Arsenal's emphasis had shifted to artillery production, and workers increased production from 75 artillery cartridges a year to 600 a month during the war. This ability to rise to the challenge for our serv ice mem bers is a theme at Rock Island. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Products weren't the only thing changing at the Arsenal. So were demographics. Everyone is familiar with the image of Rosie the Riveter, as women stepped into the workforce. The Arsenal was no different--32 percent of the workforce was female during World War II. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Yet some of the workers were only teenagers. Squeezing in 40 hours of work while going to school, students were picked up after class and bused to the island. They worked Saturdays too. In a not uncommon story, Arsenal worker Anna Mae said her wartime effort was a family affair. ``My mom worked on one side of the island, my stepdad on the other and I was in the middle.'' <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Years after the war ended, Anna Mae returned to work at the Arsenal until retirement. When she learned that her war efforts contributed to her pension, she articulated the selflessness of so many when she said, ``I never would have thought (about) that--we were just trying to win a war.'' <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">In the Korean War/Conflict, the sense of urgency on the island returned. Crews worked 10-hour days, 6 days a week, and sometimes on Sunday to get weapons and equipment shipped out. For Vietnam, the Arsenal created new products designed to counteract the Viet Cong's guerilla ``hit and run'' tactics, such as the M102 lightweight howitzer. The Arsenal continued to contribute to systems that meant life or death for the soldiers for the 1991 Gulf War--and then adapted as the military went through a drawdown after the war ended. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">But as we all know, that peace did not last long. A little more than 10 years ago, the attacks of September 11th changed our world--and the nation again found itself at war. Again to their credit, the Arsenal workforce went into overdrive to provide our troops what they needed. Machinist Jeff Roberts recalled, ``Everyone's mentality is it's one collaborative effort to get the soldiers what they need as fast as you can.'' <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">They did--in a unique way. The Arsenal has the Department of Defense's only vertically integrated metal manufacturing capability. It has the only remaining foundry in the U.S. Army. It means that raw materials can go in one side and come out the other as very intricate finished products. It does this with a number of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steels, and titanium. The result--new equipment to better protect our troops, especially on short notice. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">We all know how devastating improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were to U.S. troops in Iraq and continue to be to serv ice mem bers in Afghanistan. In 2006 and 2007, our nation had fallen short in armor kits for Humvees and other ground vehicles to protect our troops. I urged then-Secretary Gates to use Rock Island's production capability to get these kits to our troops faster. Secretary Gates agreed. Rock Island became the single largest producer of these armor kits. Talk about saving lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Lieutenant General Raymond Mason, Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, recently noted, ``It was critical that we had (the organic industrial base), along with our manufacturing capabilities at our arsenals at Watervliet, Rock Island and Pine Bluff. This allowed us to expand for wartime demand ..... `` He also added, ``By ensuring we maintain a core level of work, we then retain expandability capabilities if something else happens in the world.'' <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">As I look to the future, I would say that is exactly what we are doing at Rock Island. Earlier this year, I introduced the Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act of 2012, with the support of Senator <em><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Mark Kirk</span></em>, Senator <em><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Grassley</span></em>, Senator <em><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Harkin</span></em>, and the Senators from New York and Arkansas. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">The bill does just what General Mason was describing. It would create a strategic plan to ensure arsenals receive the workload they need to keep workers' skills sharp for whatever the future may hold. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">We worked with Senator <em><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Levin</span></em>and Senator <em><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">McCain</span></em>on this. I was pleased that major portions of our bill were included in the report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act, which was voted out of the Armed Services Committee last month. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">But the Arsenal isn't complacent. They are partnering with private industry interested in working with titanium and other lightweight metals at the Quad-City Manufacturing Lab which opened in 2010. In these times of tough budget decisions, these partnerships enable Rock Island to sustain itself at no cost to the government <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><pre style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;">[Page: S4718] <b><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/citation.result.CREC.action?congressionalRecord.volume=158&amp;congressionalRecord.pagePrefix=S&amp;congressionalRecord.pageNumber=4718&amp;publication=CREC"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><cite><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;;">GPO's PDF</span></cite></span></a></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></pre><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">through a Working Capital Fund. Just like the private sector, the Arsenal is out there competing for work--and winning it. They have signed agreements with Sivyer Steel, Mack Defense and others. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">But Rock Island is about more than just production--it is also the bedrock of the Quad-City region as the area's largest employer. One example of family commitment to the Arsenal is Jeff Roberts, a machinist at Rock Island. His great-great-great-great grandfather was a master carpenter at Rock Island in the 1860s and helped build the island's iconic Clock Tower. Working at the Arsenal for our men and women in uniform gave Jeff a clear understanding of, as he described it, ``what you're doing and why you're doing it.'' He added, ``I've never had the job satisfaction I have now until I came here.'' <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Jeff's experience is replicated all across the Arsenal. The island has more than 70 military and private sector organizations as tenants. Over the years, the Arsenal has welcomed the Army Corps of Engineers, Army Sustainment Command, Joint Munitions Command, and Army Contracting Command, among others. Most recently, Rock Island welcomed the headquarters for First Army, which is in charge of mobilizing, training and deploying our Army Reservists. It may not always have the glitz of a front-page story. But their collective dedication shows how central Rock Island is to the support of our military, every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Rock Island Arsenal is a large and vibrant installation, with a rich history and an impressive array of ongoing activities. Rock Island Arsenal has made remarkable contributions over the past 150 years. It has served us through our difficult times and will continue to do so in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">I thank those who serve at the Arsenal today and those who have served in the past. And also to those who have join me in honoring Rock Island Arsenal in its 150-year anniversary celebration. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Source: <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r112:S28JN2-0008:/">ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY</a></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/jdWr9OT2_3Q" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/07/rock-island-arsenals-150th-anniversary.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-34417340110907133312012-07-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-01T20:04:14.467-04:00The 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States<span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">A resolution (S. Res. 376) commemorating the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States and recognizing the contributions of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and for other purposes. <a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">The resolution (S. Res. 376) was agreed to. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">The preamble was agreed to. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">S. Res. 376 <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the American Revolution secured the independence of the United States of America and made possible the vibrant system of self-government of the United States; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the supporters of the American Revolution, through their vision and determination, enhanced the lives of countless individuals and made possible the system of equal justice, limited government, and the rule of law that exists in the United States; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the people who fought in the American Revolution made great sacrifices for their fledgling country; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 225 years ago, and the 39 delegates who signed the Constitution of the United States at the Constitutional Convention, irrevocably changed the course of history; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><pre style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;">[Page: S4781] <b><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/citation.result.CREC.action?congressionalRecord.volume=158&amp;congressionalRecord.pagePrefix=S&amp;congressionalRecord.pageNumber=4781&amp;publication=CREC"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><cite><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;;">GPO's PDF</span></cite></span></a></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></pre><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the Constitution of the United States, a revered and living document-- <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">(1) provides important rights to every citizen of the United States; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">(2) secures ``the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity''; and <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">(3) sets the standard of democracy for the world; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 established the imperative precedent of compromise; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas the Constitution and the subsequent 27 amendments to the Constitution outline the freedoms and the principles of representative government that are as strong today as they were on that momentous occasion in 1787; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas September 17, 2012, marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States, which is the supreme law of the land and the document by which the people of the United States govern their great country; <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas, to venerate the immeasurable importance of the Constitution and the day on which the Constitution was signed, it is essential to continually educate people about, and celebrate, the principles and legacy of the Founding Fathers; and <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Whereas members of organizations such as the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution play an important role in promoting patriotism, preserving the history of the United States, and educating the public about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship: Now, therefore, be it <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">Resolved,</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"> That the Senate-- <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">(1) commemorates the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 2012, and remembers the sacrifices made by the people who made the signing possible; and <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">(2) applauds the continuing contributions made by the members, volunteers, and staff of historical, educational, and patriotic societies of the United States, such as the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in promoting patriotism and the values embodied in the Constitution of the United States. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Source: <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r112:S29JN2-0050:/">COMMEMORATING THE 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND THE NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION</a></span><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/L1sZJOqHDoM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/07/225th-anniversary-of-signing-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-71265420463543768772012-06-13T10:02:00.000-04:002012-06-13T10:02:00.303-04:00200 Days: Mars Curiosity Mission LaunchedIt's been <a href="http://numberyourdays.com/?d=Nov-26-2011">200 days</a> since Curiosity, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Science_Laboratory">Mars Science Laboratory</a> launched. <br /><br />Landing <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/msl_launch.html">is expected</a> <a href="http://numberyourdays.com/?d=August%205%202012">August 5</a>.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/7IAq54aKtnA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/06/200-days-mars-curiosity-mission.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247152439703411446.post-18791889754449187412012-05-05T07:00:00.000-04:002012-05-05T07:00:04.435-04:00Cinco de Mayo<center><pre>[Page: S2745] <b><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/citation.result.CREC.action?congressionalRecord.volume=157&amp;congressionalRecord.pagePrefix=S&amp;congressionalRecord.pageNumber=2745&amp;publication=CREC"> <cite>GPO's PDF</cite></a></b> <p>---</p></pre></center> <p> Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. <b>CORNYN</b>, Mr. <b>REID</b> of Nevada, Mr. <b>DURBIN</b>, Mr. <b>UDALL</b> of Colorado, and Mr. <b>BENNET</b>) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to: </p><p> S. Res. 167 </p><p> Whereas May 5, or ``Cinco de Mayo'' in Spanish, is celebrated each year as a date of great importance by the Mexican and Mexican-American communities;</p><p> Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, the date on which the Battle of Puebla was fought by Mexicans who were struggling for their independence and freedom;</p><p> Whereas Cinco de Mayo has become one of the most famous Mexican national holidays and is celebrated annually by nearly all Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, north and south of the United States-Mexico border;</p><p> Whereas the Battle of Puebla was but one of the many battles that the courageous Mexican people won in their long and brave struggle for independence and freedom;</p><p> Whereas the French, confident that their battle-seasoned troops were far superior to the almost amateurish Mexican forces, expected little or no opposition from the Mexican army;</p><p> Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat against any of the finest troops of Europe in more than half a century, sustained a disastrous loss at the hands of an outnumbered, ill-equipped, and ragged, but highly spirited and courageous, Mexican force;</p><p> Whereas after three bloody assaults on Puebla in which more than a thousand gallant Frenchmen lost their lives, the French troops were finally defeated and driven back by the outnumbered Mexican troops;</p><p> Whereas the courageous and heroic spirit that Mexican General Zaragoza and his men displayed during that historic battle can never be forgotten;</p><p> Whereas many brave Mexicans willingly gave their lives for the causes of justice and freedom in the Battle of Puebla on Cinco de Mayo;</p><p> Whereas the sacrifice of the Mexican fighters was instrumental in keeping Mexico from falling under European domination;</p><p> Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that the foundation of the United States is built by people from many nations and diverse cultures who are willing to fight and die for freedom;</p><p> Whereas Cinco de Mayo also serves as a reminder of the close ties between the people of Mexico and the people of the United States;</p><p> Whereas in a larger sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito Juarez once said, ``El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz'' (``The respect of other people's rights is peace''); and</p><p> Whereas many people celebrate during the entire week in which Cinco de Mayo falls: Now, therefore, be it</p><p> <em> Resolved,</em> That the Senate--</p><p> (1) recognizes the historical struggle for independence and freedom of the people of Mexico; and</p><p> (2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.</p><p><b>(<a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/B?r112:@FIELD%28FLD003+s%29+@FIELD%28DDATE+20110505%29">Senate - May 5, 2011</a>)</b> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BlogYourDays/~4/FF54VYTnN0I" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Tim McGheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07300368001962414311noreply@blogger.com0http://blog.numberyourdays.com/2012/05/cinco-de-mayo.html